Inaugurated by IN-SPACe
ISRO Registered Space Tutor
S2-SA4-0098
What is a Definition Clue?
Grade Level:
Class 2
NLP, Law, History, Social Sciences, Literature, Journalism, Communication
Definition
What is it?
A definition clue is a hint in a sentence that directly tells you the meaning of a new or difficult word. It's like the sentence is giving you a mini-dictionary entry right there. You can find these clues often near the new word, sometimes with commas or dashes.
Simple Example
Quick Example
Imagine you're reading, 'My friend is a 'bibliophile', someone who loves books very much.' Here, 'someone who loves books very much' is the definition clue for the word 'bibliophile'. It directly explains what the new word means.
Worked Example
Step-by-Step
Let's find the definition clue in this sentence: 'The 'monsoon', which is a seasonal wind bringing heavy rain, arrived early this year.'
Step 1: Identify the new or unfamiliar word. The word 'monsoon' might be new to some.
---Step 2: Look for words or phrases near 'monsoon' that explain its meaning. We see 'which is a seasonal wind bringing heavy rain'.
---Step 3: Check if this phrase directly defines 'monsoon'. Yes, it tells us exactly what a monsoon is.
---Answer: The definition clue for 'monsoon' is 'a seasonal wind bringing heavy rain'.
Why It Matters
Understanding definition clues helps you understand new words without needing a dictionary every time, making reading faster and more enjoyable. This skill is vital for journalists writing clear news, lawyers understanding complex documents, and historians interpreting old texts.
Common Mistakes
MISTAKE: Thinking any descriptive phrase is a definition clue. | CORRECTION: A definition clue directly states the meaning, often using phrases like 'is defined as', 'means', 'which is', or commas/dashes to set it apart.
MISTAKE: Skipping over the clue and guessing the word's meaning. | CORRECTION: Always pause and read the surrounding words carefully when you see an unfamiliar term. The clue is often right there!
MISTAKE: Confusing a definition clue with an example clue. | CORRECTION: A definition clue tells you what the word IS. An example clue gives examples of the word, but doesn't define it directly.
Practice Questions
Try It Yourself
QUESTION: Find the definition clue: 'The 'chef', a person who cooks professionally, prepared a delicious biryani.' | ANSWER: a person who cooks professionally
QUESTION: Identify the new word and its definition clue: 'My grandmother suffers from 'insomnia', the inability to sleep.' | ANSWER: New word: insomnia; Definition clue: the inability to sleep
QUESTION: In the sentence, 'The 'cricket pitch', a specially prepared strip of ground where cricket is played, was ready for the match,' what is the definition clue for 'cricket pitch'? | ANSWER: a specially prepared strip of ground where cricket is played
MCQ
Quick Quiz
Which of these sentences contains a definition clue for the word 'astronomer'?
The astronomer looked at the stars.
An astronomer, a scientist who studies stars and planets, gave a lecture.
Many astronomers love science.
The astronomer used a telescope.
The Correct Answer Is:
B
Option B directly defines 'astronomer' as 'a scientist who studies stars and planets'. The other options describe what an astronomer does but don't define the word itself.
Real World Connection
In the Real World
When you read news articles about new government policies or scientific discoveries, writers often use definition clues to explain complex terms like 'fiscal deficit' or 'vaccine efficacy' to help you understand without needing to Google every word. It's how platforms like Wikipedia make information accessible.
Key Vocabulary
Key Terms
CLUE: a hint or indication | DEFINITION: the meaning of a word | UNFAMILIAR: not known or recognized | CONTEXT: the circumstances that form the setting for an idea and in terms of which it can be fully understood
What's Next
What to Learn Next
Next, you can learn about 'Example Clues' and 'Synonym Clues'. These are other types of context clues that also help you understand new words, building on what you've learned about definition clues.
